Date: May 31, 1995 10:37 AM
Author: Richard Wertheimer
Subject: NCTM Survey
The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) hasrecently appointed a Task Force on Promising Students (Linda Sheffield,Chair; Jennie Bennett, Manuel Berriozabel, Margaret D'Armand, and RickWertheimer) to make recommendations on the best ways to serve the needs ofour top students from elementary through high school. This might includestudents who have been identified with traditional tests of mathematics orstudents who show their talents and abilities in a number of other ways.

In light of the emphasis of the NCTM Standards on "Mathematics forAll", we are looking for recommendations from teachers, administrators,parents, students, and other interested parties concerning ways tochallenge and enrich the mathematics learning of these promising students. Please be as creative as you wish in brainstorming ways to best servethese students. Your response to the following survey would begreatly appreciated.

1. a. What are some characteristics of good mathematics programs designedto challenge our most promising students at the elementary, middleschool, and high school level?

b. Please name any projects/programs that you know of that have some ofthe characteristics of good programs named above.

c. Does your state, province, country, or local school or district haveany policies that govern special programs for gifted and talentedstudents? (Please identify useful policies as well as any policies thatcause difficulties for these students.)

2. a. What measures might be used to identify talented students, andwhat measures might be used to assess the continuing progress of thesestudents and the programs designed for them?

b. Please name any programs that use exemplary means of assessment.

3. a. How might we ensure that underrepresented groups such as promisingfemales and culturally diverse students are identified and encouraged tofully develop their talents in strong, challenging mathematics programs orother experiences?

b. Please name any programs/other experiences that are especiallysuccessful in serving the needs of these students.

4. a. What would you recommend for both preservice and inserviceteachers to better prepare them to work with these top students?

b. Please name any exemplary teacher training programs that help teacherschallenge their best students.

5. a. What would you like to see that would aid in supporting thedevelopment of promising mathematics students? (This might include books,technology, Internet match-ups of mathematicians and talented students,position statements from professional organizations, support from thecommunity, parents and school personnel, mentorship programs,competitions, after-school or summer programs, any other creative ideasthat you may have.)

6. a. What do you see as major impediments in fully implementing goodprograms or other experiences for talented students?

b. What recommendations do you have for overcoming these obstacles?

7) Where did you see this survey?

8) What is your current professional position?

Please send any documents you might have that would be useful for ourcommittee to consider in making recommendations to the National Councilof Teachers of Mathematics. We would like to consider as muchinformation as possible before our July meeting.